Home for the Holidays follows four generations of troops, each of whom served during a Christmas.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published December 5, 2003
SPRING HILL - Stage West Community Playhouse is taking a musical look at Christmas through the eyes of four generations.
Home for the Holidays: A Tribute to America's Veterans, which opens Thursday, tells the story of one family and the sacrifices it made for the love of country.
"The family is gathered at home trying to have a good time," said Leanne Germann, who wrote and directed the show. "But the eldest grandchild is serving his country in Iraq and not able to be home."
Through dialogue and song, the show unfolds a story of four generations of men who have all spent a Christmas away from home and hearth - a great-grandfather who served in Normandy, a grandfather who fought in Korea, and a father who remembers his experiences in Vietnam.
Through flashbacks, younger versions of each character tell their stories of holidays away from home.
"It's very poignant," said Germann, who will perform the 1970s Carpenters hit Merry Christmas, Darling during a scene set at a USO tour. "It's a happy, bittersweet story with a lot of music."
The show, which runs nearly two hours and has a cast of about 25, is Germann's first attempt at writing a musical revue, she said, and features holiday favorites such as Winter Wonderland, I'll Be Home for Christmas and White Christmas.
Before and after the show, audience members may purchase tickets for a chance to win a 20-foot pontoon boat, motor and trailer valued at $12,000. Proceeds from the drawing will benefit Stage West's building fund and youth programs.
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
At a glance
WHAT: Home for the Holidays musical review
WHEN: Opens Thursday and continues through Dec. 14. Shows are at 8 p.m., except Sunday at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
ADMISSION: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students younger than 18. The theater's box office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and one hour before each show. Call 683-5113.
